To help you sort through client payment methods, Veterinary Economics has spent years looking at cash, check, credit card, third-party payment plans, and in-clinic payment plans. But in the event a thoughtful client thinks about how much they would spend on that beloved pet, pet insurance for the future is an option.

Of course, up until now, we've simply advised you to do the legwork: Look at pet insurance options, decide whether you want to suggest one or two options to new and existing clients, and sort it out yourself.

Well, now we've decided to do the sorting for you. We've gathered information provided by pet insurance companies so you can compare—and share—the options with staff and clients. Every detail of the available plans isn't covered, so think of this as a great start of your work to do what's right for your clients when it comes to pet insurance.

Press the Next button below to view our survey of nine top pet insurance companies (or download as a PDF):

24PetWatch

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

Embrace

PetFirst

PetPartners

Petplan

Pets Best

Trupanion

VPI

(Note: This information was provided directly by companies themselves and has not been independently verified. Best Friends Pet Insurance and Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, and PurinaCare Pet Insurance did not respond by press time.)

Insures where?
United States (excluding Alaska), Canada, United Kingdom

Total pets covered?
More than 210,000 pets

Customer service?
Phone, web, Monday to Saturday; fax and email

Waiting period?
Accident: day after policy set up; Illness: 14 days

Not covered?
Pre-existing conditions, preventable conditions or those for which veterinarian advised treatment and owner did not comply, elective procedures
Can pre-existing conditions be “cured”?
Yes, if the condition is not chronic and doesn’t recur or require treatment within 24 months (exceptions for musculoskeletal disorders, endocrine disease, and cardiovascular conditions)
Emergency coverage overseas?
Yes, in Canada and the United Kingdom
Do veterinarians need to fill out any part of the claim forms?
Yes
Exam fees covered?
Yes

Claim reimbursement?
To policyholder in five to seven business days if by fax, mail, or email; to client in one to three business days if by in-clinic software; to veterinarian in one to three business days if by in-clinic software

Not covered?
Pre-existing conditions; elective procedures the ASPCA opposes, such as ear cropping, tail docking, and claw removal; treatment for dental disease (injuries are covered); costs for breeding or pregnancy; pet food; grooming; others as listed
Can pre-existing conditions be “cured”?
Yes, if the condition is cured and treatment-free for at least six months
Emergency coverage overseas?
Yes, in Canada; travel assistance services available globally for ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Do veterinarians need to fill out any part of the claim forms?
No
Exam fees covered?
Yes

Not covered?
Pre-existing conditions, behavioral conditions, grooming
Can pre-existing conditions be “cured”?
Yes, if the condition doesn't recur within 12 months
Emergency coverage overseas?
Yes, worldwide, as long as pet parent typically resides in the United States
Do veterinarians need to fill out any part of the claim forms?
Yes
Exam fees covered?
Yes

Claim reimbursement?
Wellness claims to clients within two business days; 95% of accident and illness claims within 15 business days; veterinarians can receive payment directly if pet owner pre-approves claim and veterinarian allows

Not covered?
Pre-existing conditions, unnecessary or nonmedical treatment or care; routine care; preventable conditions
Can pre-existing conditions be “cured”?
Yes, in some cases
Emergency coverage overseas?
No
Do veterinarians need to fill out any part of the claim forms?
Yes
Exam fees covered?
Yes, unless diagnosis is for non-covered condition

Not covered?
Pre-existing conditions, elective procedures, routine and preventive care, grooming
Can pre-existing conditions be “cured”?
Yes, in some cases
Emergency coverage overseas?
Yes, in Canada and U.S. territories
Do veterinarians need to fill out any part of the claim forms?
No
Exam fees covered?
Yes

Not covered?
Pre-existing conditions; conditions preventable by vaccine; nonmedical veterinary expenses
Can pre-existing conditions be “cured”?
Yes, in some cases
Emergency coverage overseas?
Yes, worldwide
Do veterinarians need to fill out any part of the claim forms?
No
Exam fees covered?
Yes

Customer service?
Phone Monday to Saturday; email and mail; more than 100 team members to help veterinarians

Waiting period?
Injury: next day; illness: 14 days

Not covered?
Pre-existing conditions, grooming, elective procedures, congenital conditions, behavioral conditions, preventable conditions (if vaccine available and recommended by DVM)
Can pre-existing conditions be “cured”?
Yes, if the condition is curable and doesn't recur within six months
Emergency coverage overseas?
Yes, worldwide
Do veterinarians need to fill out any part of the claim forms?
No
Exam fees covered?
Yes